If you are looking for a party with a purpose infused with great drinks and food then look no further than the Big Brothers Big Sisters Big Taste of Houston. Big Brothers Big Sisters has always been a charity that inspired me. With a strong commitment to providing diverse mentorship to area youth the non-profit is based off the principals that giving back does not have to be ordinary. The Big Taste of Houston is another nod to this idea as you have the opportunity to taste some of the best bites Houston has to offer while raising money for this worthy cause.

The premise is just as it sounds, fabulous local restaurants and chefs dig deep in putting together big bites of some of their best or newly created dishes. From braised short ribs to oysters shucked to order there were bites big enough to satisfy even the hungriest Texan. It always brings a smile to my face when I see some of my favorite local restaurants participating as I know the competition will really get their creative juices flowing. Restaurants like Uchi and North Italia really outdid themselves on coming up with delectable treats that you just could not say no to.

No question the party was great, but there is no forgetting the great purpose behind it all as some of the cities shining stars turned out to support. Although the tastes were definitely big, the auction prizes were arguably bigger. From a silent auction full of goodies to an Audi A3 giveaway there were so many ways to support the Big Brothers Big Sisters while coming away with something amazing for yourself in the process. With the panel of celebrity judges and beautiful people enjoying the night the event was hard to beat. The perfect balance of drinks flowing and music bumping and charitable giving made the big Taste of Houston a must do on any foodie’s annual calendar.

Birthdays are a perfect excuse to visit long distance friends so I recently hopped to Tampa for the weekend to get a taste of this South Florida destination and celebrate with friends. A weekend trip for a purpose is great as you get to wash away some of the excuses that normally plague a short trip. Instead of worrying about ticket prices or how to work time off in your hectic schedule it becomes a lot easier to just bite the bullet and commit. When you are visiting a new city the choice is even more tempting as you can get some of the highlights of a city in a very fun weekend with friends.

For this trip as I have amazingly chic friends I got some of the best food and drinks that the city of Tampa had to over. Fresh off the plane, thanks to a prime airport location, I quickly started my Tampa tour and the super sophisticated Ocean Prime. This was my first time trying this is a national restaurant chain and I was definitely not disappointed. The lounge and bar area have a cool kids vibe flowing from the staff to the guests. The smoking Berries and Bubbles cocktail caught my eye as soon as I walked in and with first sip I was in love. The food and service combined with this intoxicating cocktail started my night off on a high note. To keep the party going in Tampa is easy as pie as they have several bar areas which making something you like a breeze. As bar hopping is a serious past time of mine it was easy to go from grunge, to bar, to hookah, and even to live music so finding something up your alley is almost guaranteed.

After a long night of fun and a nice day of taking advantage of some of the great shopping Tampa had to offer it was time for a birthday dinner. Where else should you celebrate one of your most fabulous friends than the world renowned Bern’s Steak House. To say the restaurant is a culinary experience is an understatement. From the ornate decorations to the completely separate dessert restaurant the experience at Bern’s is top of the line. While I am not a big steak person, I could not resist as you look at the giant menu of options. Even more exciting is that you come in with the expectations you are about to give away your first born for your meal and I was pleasantly surprised with the cost of the food considering we got course after course of exquisite dishes. For some extra bonus points you have the opportunity after your meal to tour the kitchen, including in house butcher, and wine cellar. A great way to appreciate your gastronomic adventure at Bern’s even more.

Now of course everything I did in Tampa did not consist of food and drink but those were definitely some highlights. All in all Tampa was a cool city that had a mix of small town closeness with stylish city flare. With their closeness to the water and constant festival city one thing is for certain, Tampa and its residents know how to have fun!

While the Houston area may boast several events for wine and food enthusiast, the ultimate food and wine celebration in Houston is the Sugar Land Wine & Food Affair. Over the past 6 years Sugar Land Wine & Food Affair has been raising the bar on the culinary standards in the city with a decadent celebration of food, wine and spirits in a collaboration that is truly unforgettable. This year the Sugar Land Wine & Food Affair is making some exciting changes to the mix to not only showcase some of the best food Houston has to offers and the top tier of wine and spirits from around the world. Attendees win as the festival gives you an insider’s glimpse that will take your knowledge and appreciation to the next level.

In lieu of some of introductory events the Sugar Land Wine & Food Affair will take on the road as teacher as it showcases food and wine in a more intimate setting. In order to provide the perfect setting the On the Rocks Bartender Challenge has been replaced with private dinners to kick off the weekend festivities. Choosing either the Boiling Point seafood boil or The Italian Invasion Dinner guests can mix great food and wine with intimate company and some great insight as they enjoy their favorites or try something new. Additionally the Sugar Land Wine & Food Affair has added several learning experiences that guest can attend Friday and Saturday. There is nothing like identifying the why of your love for some of your favorite flavor profiles. Taking the time to get deeper into the educational side only strengthens your appreciation for your favs and gives you clues on how to find other top picks based on your own palette.

The Sugar Land Wine & Food Affair made sure not to mess with the best, with their program changes, and Friday nights Grand Tasting is sure to be one for the books. The Sugar Land Marriott Town Square serves as the perfect location to meet food and wine nirvana. With everything from inventive culinary creations (I still dream about the upscale Frito pie) and tried and true favorites from HEB and local restaurant superstars the event provides a something for everyone in an unforgettable night.

Other favorites, such as Saturdays Sip and Stroll will keep more recent location changes, now done at Constellation Field but enhanced it with a two day option so you have all of Saturday and Sunday to get a chance to grab your favorite bites and beverages while enjoying some of the great performers who always deliver during the event. As the Sugar Land Wine & Food Affair promises more of the core that has built its following as well as some great new opportunities to appreciate the food and wine on a different level this event is going to be a must on any food and wine lover’s schedule.

Japan is a very eclectic mix of old and new, but on my last day I had to dive into some of the history that makes Japan unforgettable with a visit to their Imperial Gardens and Samurai Museum. A last day on any trip can feel a little overwhelming as you sort through things missed and those you can’t miss. My last day I decided to split between something important to me and something important to my daughter. Frist stop was the Imperial Gardens as they were within walking distance from my hotel.

One of my main priorities in choosing Tokyo as a destination was just to relax and find a space to clear my head after dealing with a personal loss. While Japan overflows with beautiful gardens, something about the regal nature of the Imperial Gardens called to me and we off set to explore the grounds. With several entrances to the Gardens make sure to get a clear idea on where you want your access point to me. The Gardens are divided into a ground level portion and a different section on a steep incline. If you go to the wrong entrance you have a steep hick ahead of you.

The Gardens offered me just what I was looking for, a serene place where you can sit back and enjoy nature. Part of why this is such a tourist destination is how the Japanese make serenity an art, carefully plotting out waterfalls, coy ponds, bridges and monuments to give you an opportunity to carefully observe and appreciate the thoughtfulness of design. Serving a delicate balance of nature and how human artistry can work to enhance, not take away from the beauty of nature. With my mind feeling calm it was time to hop to my daughter’s top pick, the Samurai Museum.

Just as it sounds the Samurai Museum is an ode to the discipline, culture, and exquisiteness of the Samurai culture. The museum offers English tours of everything from the dress to a history of their battle skills and rise and fall of the samurai culture. There is something quite special about an interactive museum as it gets you a chance to not only learn more about a culture you admire but to take a small step in their footsteps to see just how amazing their life and devotion to their craft were. Perhaps it was all the karate movies my daughter watched her whole life but this tour gave her life. Add in the opportunity to try on a Samurai outfit and hold a sword and this was one of the highlights of her trip. Make sure to plan extra time for the tour as they have daily Samurai fighting exhibition that we had to miss to make a break for the airport. All of the fun new culture Japan offers have a distinct line to their proud and innovative past that demands some reverence to their beautiful history.

Getting a real vibe for a new city usually means getting emerging yourself in that culture so getting hands on in Tokyo will probably lead you to the Asakusa area. This was the top recommendation from the hotel concierge when we checked on what to do in Tokyo so we gathered our city and train station maps and set out to see what all of the fuss was about. One of the things I love most about Tokyo is their train system. Admittantly I got a little flustered when I could not get my credit card to work but after exchanging some cash the English prompts and signs made it easy to get around the city not to mention the price was right. With Asakusa just eight stops down from the Ginza district we were off for some Tokyo exploration.

While the train offers English prompts everywhere, the streets signs from Tokyo do not so getting your bearings quickly is an important tool in making it around town. As maps have never been my strength, I had to rely on my following skills by pegging other visitors and following behind others who seemed to have a sense of where we were going. As I began to see more and more stores and shops pop up I knew we were in a visitor friendly part of town and learned what we were in the Nakamise shopping area. These rows of shopping streets have everything from Japanese snacks to souvenirs in every shape, size, and form. It is a great place to find something for friends and family at home as there are offers from the very cheap fans and cards to luxury kimonos and swords in between the open air market and store front areas. As we hit the Kaminari Gate it truly struck me of the majesty, beauty and history that was sure to make the trip one of a lifetime.

After some wandering around we got to the main attraction for Asakusa, the Sensoji Temple. This Buddhist temple built over thirteen hundred years ago is a great introduction to some beautiful Buddhist traditions. From the handwashing station to the prayer walls it was a great place to gain some reverence for a culture not your own. This is definitely one of the places I wish I hired an English tour guide to give me a true understanding of some traditions that I stumbled through by watching others. The temple and surrounding gardens are a great place to wander around and just take in some of the beauty. As my trip was in the fall the leaves were falling and it was a great place to sit and relax or have a leaf throwing party that really just reminds you what a blessing it is just to be alive. Either way the beauty of the city quickly welcomes you in making the city seem a lot less foreign in a lot less time.

With all the things to see in Asakura what went from a planned stopped turned into an all-day affair. From my daughters quest to try new favors at the food vendors to my kimono instructional there is so much to do and learn in the Asakusa area. If the walking of the day has you pooped you can also hop in a water taxi or a ricksaw to cap off a day of exploration the beautiful and historic Asakusa area.

At least once a year I try to make it my business to visit my favorite US city, Chicago, for a whirl of fun, friends, family and of course food. My most recent trip afforded me 2 days to get all the fun I could squeeze out of Chicago with my two favorite travelers, my kids, in tow. With a weekend base camp of the Hard Rock Hotel on the Magnificent Mile I took off right away to get reacquainted with a city I adore.

It’s hard to tell if it’s my loved ones that make the city fun for me or if my friends and family there embody the spirit of the city, explaining my love for both. Chicago is brazen and busy and metropolitan but it still has woven in it the love of life that appreciates art and food and friends that keep me coming back for more. Automatically at the top of my agenda is to connect with people, but there is no reason that cannot be combined with some other city highlights. Of course food is supreme in Chicago so be it brunch at Yolk or a deep dish Pizza at Giordano’s there are some things that are undeniably often imitated and rarely duplicated on the Chicago food scene.

My top highlights from the trip, however, were not my usual food fest. Instead something old and something new took the cake. On the something old side a walking tour of the Magnificent Mile area always does my heart good. Coming from Houston where walking is rare I love how easy the city is to maneuver by foot and all the possibilities at hand. In an afternoon of walking you can explore Millennium Park and its art installations, meet new friends for you kids, wander in and out of shops, and get some great live street entertainment. All these things make Chicago the constant top pick for US city. On the new side I was able to do something that has escaped me before, Afternoon Tea at the Peninsula. From first stepping into the hotel I knew it was something magical and afternoon tea was a great mix of prim and proper with smiles and giggles from the opportunity to spend great time with great friends. The champagne that comes with tea doesn’t hurt either. All in all Chicago gives you a chance to do almost anything under the sun, even in a pop in pop out weekend.

Almost any reason to dress up and wear a hat is a good one but when it adds in charity, polo, and picnic you have a first class reason to pull out all the stops. At the Tomorrows Luminaries Charity Polo Match at the Chukkar Farm Polo Club you get a great day time party, polo match, and some of the best dressed in Atlanta all in one place. One of the things I love best about events where you dress to the nines is that looking great puts people in a great mood. When you are feeling your best you can’t help but smile and the feelings and great vibes are contagious. So despite the heat everyone was grinning from ear to ear as the Hendrick’s poured and the music enticed you to move to the beat.

The event is located in Alpharetta, Georgia and from someone who is not from Atlanta that means it is really far. As we took off on the really long ride that we were really late heading out for I began to wonder if it would be worth it. We had to pack our own picnic, dress our own table, and make it all the way to the country to attend. But as soon as we arrived and took in all the fabulousness at hand we knew the answer was absolutely yes! We made our own spread of everything we liked but the guests around us were friendly and more than willing to share and point out some things that shouldn’t be missed. Of course this included the Hendricks stations pouring up the one and only gin I will drink in some cocktails perfect for the occasion. While you sit perched high upon a hill with a lovely polo match in play you realize this is one of the moments where being grown up and being able to appreciate new experiences is so great. As the day moved on the great live band and subsequent friends and friends shots that continued made it truly and event and a day to remember.

I love celebrating life so when a good friend calls with birthday plans in Atlanta chances are I’m going to try and join in on the good times. My most recent trip to Atlanta was a great weekend getaway to celebrate friends, fun, and oh so many laughs. Of course with a trip with 5 ladies there are going to be some standard checks on the things to do list, eat, shop, and party so away we went to paint the town red in Atlanta.

As a foodie, getting a taste of a city is always at the top of my list and no restaurant did it better for me on this trip to Atlanta than Serpas. The restaurant does serve American food but with such an edgy twist on classics it leaves you wondering exactly where it came from and how you can get more. The national acclaims have come flowing in and every bit of praise is completely worth it. I had the Stuffed Airline Chicken and after my foodgasm I was pretty sure it was the chef’s way to ask me to marry him. The chicken was both juicy and crunchy with a stuffing that made you lick your spoon stopping only long enough to stuff some savory mashed potatoes in your mouth. Hmmm hmmm hmnmm, this restaurant will make you want to change your weekend plans.

Outside of food the question becomes where will you get all of your shopping and fun done in the city. We just Buckhead as our base location because how close it is in the vicinity of great food and shopping. When traveling with a group of five it is important to make things convenient enough for everyone to have their own freedom in doing things. This way you don’t end up want to strangle someone for taking too long to get dressed or not wanting to stick to the pace you are on. Although Buckhead is a great shopping location, there are few better central locations to party than downtown Atlanta. The variety of clubs makes popping around a breeze so you can get everyone pumped based on their preference and ensure a good time is had by all! The variation in the trip was key to ensuring we all got to celebrate as a group and do the things we enjoy individually as well.

Your heart’s pumping, the music is thumping and it’s time for your moment in the spotlight!! Nope you are not really a star but for a couple of minutes when your song is up in karaoke, with a live band backing you up, you sure may feel like one. I will never claim to be a great singer, but with karaoke being a cherished holiday past time for my family I have learned to perform and make the most of my karaoke selection. On a random Friday night I wandered unto karaoke at The Alley Kat Bar with a twist! As opposed to playing to recorded music, you get the chance to sing your karaoke with a live band, making the experience all more surreal.

Karaoke with a live band may not seem like much different than regular karaoke or even from the shower concert that you might put on every morning. This, however, does not give credit to the feel, timing, and even back up that a live band provides. When I needed it they tried to harmonize, when I missed words they were there to pick me up, and just the natural feeling of getting amped up by musicians perhaps far more talented than you provides an extra boost of confidence that allows you to really hop into your karaoke character!

So regular me was lost for a moment, as the band began to play and the words began to stream upward I channeled my shower voice and my mirror dance moves and began to belt out the Eurthrmnics. Oh yes, Sweet Dreams were made of me once I got rolling and to the amusement or delight of the crowd I settled into an awesome night of fun. Funny thing how much music came connect you with others and even yourself and as I wound down my time in the spotlight I realized that with the band included karaoke would never be the same.

Although not a household name in America MSC Cruises is one of the world’s largest cruise lines and offers cruises to a wide variety of destinations from the Caribbean to the Mediterranean and even to the Orient. With my previous experience only being US cruise lines, however, my introduction to MSC came out of convenience. Because I knew my goal for 2016 Spring Break was to take a cruise in the Mediterranean the options were limited. As the weather in the Mediterranean at this time is not the warmest in March I found many of the cruise lines I was familiar with did not offer the Mediterranean route at that time. So MSC Cruises quickly became my first and only choice for my adventure.

MSC Cruises managed to deliver a mix of both comfort and luxury in a wealth of offerings that was honestly too much for me to explore on this first trip. Setting off on an adventure is normally invigorating, however the plane, train and automobile it took me to get on the boat wore me out! Being Jet Lagged is a beast and with daily ports in some really amazing locations it is easy to get busy with the things there are too do off the boat. Still in really taking the time to explore I was able to find a little bit of everything making it a spot on choice for family entertainment. From shows to gambling to fantastic swimming pools there was always an option for how to spend your time while on the ship. With a full list of activities on the daily rooster it almost becomes difficult to remind yourself that vacationing does require some rest and relaxation on the list.

Here is the quick roundup of some of the most important components of MSC Cruises:

Dining: Throughout my seven days I had what felt like an authentic variety of Mediterranean and European options. Certainly there were days that were a little more of what I like to eat, like this delicioso lobster, but every day there were some basic staples that you could choose like salads and soups. Each meal had a variety of courses so even if one missed the mark you still left the table feeling satisfied.

Entertainment: The full on theatre show I was only able to catch once but it was a full on dancing and singing spectacle. Each night offered two main stage professional shows as well as a kids dance competition that lasted throughout the sailing. For me what was a little more accessible was the entertainment throughout the ship from singing to dance lessons. This is a great way to hop in and be involved as you wander the ship and stay as long (or as little) as you like. Of course the casino also had a big pull for me but what probably pulled me the quickest was the nightly BINGO games! If shows are not your speed there was also dance parties in a couple of locations as well as a sports bar and small bowling alley. In room entertainment was a little more limited as the channels were primarily not English and those that did show in English were all news channels. After purchasing the Wi-Fi, however, I was able to master Netflix and Chill while finishing our cruise.

Beauty: Time did not allow for a full spa visit but the sauna options on the cruise were right on point. I avoided the crowd with morning and evening visits to make sure I got a chance to unwind in between all the sightseeing. I was able to get a pretty good product demonstration including facial while on the cruise and highly recommend it. Not only did I love the products it is a great use of time during your sea day without breaking the bank.

Pools: When I was planning for a vacation where the temperatures did not even peak in the 70’s, swimming was pretty far from my mind. Once I got on board, however, and realized just how many of the pools were either indoor or offered a hot tub option I had to stop immediately and join in on the fun. Although there was a pretty big demand at the indoor pools I am sure with the summer months the outdoor pools get a lot of action. No matter the time of year however, the view of the water from the pools on the top decks is phenomenal.

Customer Service: Perhaps my favorite part of this cruise line was the staff. Everyone was friendly and willing to help. As I celebrated my birthday on the ship the chocolate covered strawberries were a great night cap and ended an amazing day on a high note. With the international staff I was able to hear a little about destinations all over the world and they made sure to point me in the right direction and keep a smile on my face.

All in all I really enjoyed my MSC experience!!! The great attitudes and attention of the staff definitely would have me check out a MSC cruise all over again.